Spotlights: Kingston's Wahl; Klahowya's Simpson

Wahl runs the 200, all three relays and does the high jump. She also competed in gymnastics for the Buccaneers.

KS: Does being a gymnast help you in track and field?

SW: I’m a high jumper, so I’m flexible from gymnastics. It allows me to bend over on my back, and help me make more accurate jumps.

KS: Who is your favorite gymnast?

SW: Shawn Johnson. She just inspires me.

KS: You were injured during the gymnastics season. How did that happen?

SW: I was doing my floor routine when I sprained both my ankles, and I was taken to the hospital. I was doing my first tumbling pass on a straddle jump, and both my ankles popped. I thought I was going to miss track, but I recovered better than I thought.

KS: How hard was it not being able to compete at state gymnastics?

SW: It was depressing because it was my senior year, and I won’t be able to compete in gymnastics again.

KS: Favorite class?

SW: I’m in a cosmetology class at West Sound Tech. It’s something that always has interested me, and something that I want to pursue as a career.

KS: Favorite movie?

SW: Avatar.

KS: Favorite TV show?

SW: Cake Boss

KS: What is the key to running relays?

SW: A good start out of the blocks really determines how you will do. A poor start leads to poor acceleration. A good start leads to more consistent speed.

KS: Is there an event you’d like to try this season?

SW: I think it would fun to do the pole vault. I went to a pole vault camp and I enjoyed it.

KS: Have you thought about college yet?

SW: I’m going to Olympic College for a year, and I’m getting college credit for my cosmetology class. But I’ve talked to the OC track coach, and I’ll be doing the heptathlon. I’m really excited to do it. I like trying new things.

Latrell Simpson, Klahowya track and field

Simpson runs the 100, 200, and the 4x100 relay. Last football season, he rushed for 773 yards and four touchdowns.

KS: Favorite player?

LS: LaDainian Tomlinson

KS: What’s the closest race you’ve been in?

LS: Last year at districts, I took off out of the blocks wrong. I ended up sixth, and it was the top five who went to state. I tripped out of the blocks, and my feet crossed over each other,

KS: In football, what’s the hardest hit you can remember?

LS: Against North Mason, they sent their middle linebacker on a blitz. It was a read play, and I didn’t know if I was going to get the ball. The linebacker hit me in the backfield, and I lost vision for a little bit.

KS: Favorite class at Klahowya?

LS: Media. It’s a chill-out class, but I like learning about entertainment.

KS: Favorite movie?

LS: Ted

KS: What’s your biggest goal for track and field this season?

LS: Get more points for the team so we can win more meets, and try to make state.

KS: What’s the best advice you’ve received?

LS: Hard work pays off. I keep those words to myself; I’ve worked hard and good things have come out of it.

KS: Who’s your biggest inspiration?

LS: My own brother Kye Simpson. He’s the one who got me into sports. He was a great athlete at a 4A school (Auburn).

KS: Are you looking forward to football next season?

LS: Some of us are already getting prepared. We’re definitely excited now; we have a lot more kids working and getting prepared for it.